The GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, a coalition of over 200 experts and advocacy groups, has called for a complete ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. At a public hearing held by the House Committee on Agricultural Production, they exposed alarming threats GMOs pose to public health, food systems, and the environment, demanding immediate action from lawmakers.
The group, which includes scientists, farmers, civil society leaders, and medical professionals, criticized Nigeria’s adoption of GMOs as a flawed solution to agricultural challenges. They argued that this approach undermines food sovereignty, threatens biodiversity, and exposes Nigerians to health risks.
Mr. Johnson Ekpere, a consultant to the Alliance, presented a memorandum urging the government to impose a moratorium on GMOs. “Relying on unproven technologies jeopardizes public health and perpetuates dangerous practices,” he stated. Ekpere advocated a shift to agroecology, highlighting its sustainable benefits compared to GMOs.
Contrary to promises of higher yields, the introduction of GM cotton during the 2020/2021 farming season has failed Nigerian farmers. Reports from the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) reveal no significant productivity gains, with farmers forced to purchase seeds yearly due to reduced soil productivity. This mirrors Burkina Faso’s decision to phase out GM cotton in 2016 after poor results—a scenario now repeating itself in Nigeria.
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Furthermore, the group highlighted the absence of GMO labeling, leaving Nigerians unable to identify modified foods. They raised concerns about potential health effects, including reduced nutritional value and increased allergenic substances.
Some experts linked GMOs to foreign exploitation. Mr. Qrisstuberg Amua, Executive Director of the Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, accused international forces of creating food insecurity to push GMOs into Nigerian markets. “These are biological weapons undermining our health and food systems,” he warned.
Amua also tied GMOs to declining fertility rates, calling for rigorous research before adopting them. Critics argue that Nigeria must reject short-term fixes and focus on protecting its citizens and environment.
However, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, assured Nigerians that the government prioritizes public safety. “We’ll explore balanced solutions to ensure food security without harming our people,” he said, urging collaboration among stakeholders.
The debate over GMOs in Nigeria is far from over. Experts insist that prioritizing sustainable agriculture over imported technologies is the only way to secure the nation’s future.
